Bupropion: clinical assay for amphetamine-like abuse potential

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Bupropion hydrochloride is an antidepressant medication.
• Animal studies suggest bupropion may have reinforcing properties.
• Understanding potential human abuse liability is crucial for medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of bupropion hydrochloride and d-amphetamine sulfate in individuals with a history of amphetamine abuse.
• To determine if bupropion exhibits amphetamine-like subjective or physiological effects in humans.

Main Methods:

• Double-blind, randomized crossover study design.
• 13 volunteers with histories of amphetamine abuse participated.
• Oral administration of bupropion (100-400 mg), d-amphetamine (15-30 mg), and placebo.

Main Results:

• Bupropion showed minimal effects on vital signs, pupil diameter, appetite, sleep, and self-reported measures.
• D-amphetamine significantly affected most measured physiological and subjective parameters.
• No significant abuse-related effects were observed with bupropion.

Conclusions:

• Bupropion hydrochloride does not appear to be amphetamine-like in humans.
• The risk of abuse liability for bupropion in humans is likely low.
• Findings contrast with some animal data, highlighting species differences in drug effects.